The interplay between sulfur and iron holds significant importance in their atmospheric cycle, yet a complete understanding of their coupling mechanism remains elusive. This investigation delves comprehensively into the evolution of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the interfacial reactions involving sulfur dioxide (SO2) and iron oxides under varying relative humidity conditions. Notably, the direct activation of water by iron oxide was observed to generate a surface hydroxyl radical (•OH). In comparison, the aging of SO2 was found to markedly augment the production of •OH radicals on the surface of α-Fe2O3 under humid conditions. This augmentation was ascribed to the generation of superoxide radicals (•O2-) stemming from the activation of O2 through the Fe(II)/Fe(III) cycle and its combination with the H+ ion to produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) on the acidic surface. Moreover, the identification of moderate relative humidity as a pivotal factor in sustaining the surface acidity of iron oxide during SO2 aging underscores its crucial role in the coupling of iron dissolution, ROS production, and SO2 oxidation. Consequently, the interfacial reactions between SO2 and iron oxides under humid conditions are elucidated as atmospheric processes that enhance oxidation capacity rather than deplete ROS. These revelations offer novel insights into the mechanisms underlying •OH radical generation and oxidative potential within atmospheric interfacial chemistry.
Keywords: ROS generation; SO2 oxidation; iron dissolution; •OH radicals.